persecute
C1Formal / Serious
Definition
Meaning
To subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race, political or religious beliefs.
To harass or annoy (someone) persistently; to persistently cause trouble or suffering.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies sustained, systematic, and often institutional targeting. More severe than 'harass' or 'bully'. Often used in historical, political, and legal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is the same. Both use it in legal/historical contexts.
Connotations
Strongly negative, associated with serious human rights abuses, discrimination, and tyranny.
Frequency
Medium frequency in both varieties, used more in news, history, and legal discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] persecute [Sb] (for [Sth])[Sb] be persecuted (for [Sth])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Witch hunt (can describe a process of persecuting people with unpopular views)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically for aggressive targeting, e.g., 'The market leader tried to persecute the new startup with lawsuits.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, sociology, and religious studies to describe systematic oppression.
Everyday
Used to describe serious, ongoing bullying or harassment, often with a sense of injustice.
Technical
Key term in international law (e.g., 'persecution' as a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regime continued to persecute ethnic minorities.
- He felt persecuted by his neighbours for being different.
American English
- The government was accused of persecuting political dissidents.
- Many fled the country to avoid being persecuted for their faith.
adverb
British English
- The group was systematically and relentlessly persecuted.
- He spoke out persecutingly against his opponents. (Note: Extremely rare/awkward)
American English
- They were actively and violently persecuted. (Note: 'Persecutingly' is not standard.)
adjective
British English
- The persecuted community sought refuge abroad.
- Persecuted groups often face severe trauma.
American English
- They provided aid to persecuted religious minorities.
- Her story as a persecuted journalist gained international attention.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king was bad and persecuted the poor people.
- Throughout history, many people have been persecuted for their religion.
- The journalist claimed she was being persecuted by the state for her critical reports.
- The commission's report detailed how the ruling party systematically persecuted its ethnic opponents, employing tactics of intimidation and economic disenfranchisement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PER + SECUTE (like 'prosecute'). A prosecutor pursues a case in court; a persecutor pursues people in life to harm them.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSECUTION IS HUNTING / PURSUIT (hound, hunt down, chase)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "преследовать" when it means 'to chase/follow'. Use 'chase' or 'pursue' for physical following. 'Persecute' is specifically about hostile, oppressive treatment. The noun "гонения" is a closer match.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'persecute' (hostile treatment) with 'prosecute' (take legal action). Incorrect: *'The lawyer will persecute the criminal.' Correct: '...prosecute...'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'persecute' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Persecute' means to subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment (often for beliefs). 'Prosecute' is a legal term meaning to institute legal proceedings against someone.
It is possible but often hyperbolic. Saying 'My boss is persecuting me with extra work' is an exaggerated metaphor, suggesting unfair, targeted treatment, but 'harassing' or 'picking on' is more common for minor situations.
The key noun is 'persecution' (e.g., victims of persecution). The person who does it is a 'persecutor'.
No, it can be used for an individual who is systematically targeted, though it often implies their membership in a targeted group is the reason.